Pelagic Partners, a renowned shipowner and shipping fund manager, has announced the launch of a new venture, Pelagic Capital. This initiative aims to address the increasing capital needs within the maritime industry by offering innovative financial solutions tailored to the sector. Pelagic Capital will create a dedicated credit fund, marking a significant step in Pelagic Partners’ strategy to expand its influence.
Leading this new venture is Tobias Backer, who has been appointed as Executive Director. Tobias brings with him a wealth of industry experience, having founded Fleetscape Capital, a prominent alternative capital provider in the maritime industry, sponsored by Oaktree Capital Management. He has held key business development roles at Oaktree’s European Principal Group, ICON Capital, DNB Bank, and Fortis Bank. Tobias’ expertise in sale and leaseback transactions, mezzanine loans, and joint venture investments has earned him recognition in the sector. His diverse background is expected to be instrumental in building Pelagic Capital’s success.
Operating out of a new base in Mayfair, London, Tobias will work closely with the Pelagic Partners team to expand their project portfolio and grow their market presence. Speaking on his new role, Tobias said, “I am very excited to join Pelagic Partners and to run Pelagic Capital. Our goal is to establish Pelagic Partners as the premier source of capital for the maritime industry across the capital stack.”
Tobias emphasized the opportunities within the shipping and offshore markets, noting that these sectors represent uncorrelated asset classes compared to traditional investments such as equities and bonds. He highlighted the lack of attention from broader credit markets despite the industry’s growing capital demands, positioning Pelagic Capital as a unique investment opportunity for investors.
Atef Abou Merhi, Managing Director of Pelagic Partners, expressed enthusiasm for this new phase, stating, “The launch of Pelagic Capital marks a significant step in Pelagic Partners’ mission to expand its influence in maritime investment. We are delighted to have Tobias leading this exciting phase, and his 30 years of experience will be invaluable to our growth.”
As Pelagic Capital moves forward, more updates and project announcements are expected, further strengthening Pelagic Partners’ role as a specialist in the maritime investment landscape.
